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Acadiana added 72 new cases of COVID-19 to the region's total Wednesday, bringing the eight-parish area to 794 confirmed cases.

Lafayette Parish reported three additional COVID-19 deaths, while Iberia Parish had one death removed from its count to drop to four, for a total of 25 fatalities from the virus across the region. Health officials sometimes change a parish's count of deaths after receiving more information about the victim.

Wednesday’s 72 new patients is the largest single-day increase in Acadiana this week after growth in new cases seemed to be slowing since Sunday. But Louisiana saw a smaller increase Wednesday than in recent days, reporting 746 new cases to reach 17,030.

Louisiana reported 652 deaths Wednesday, adding another 70 fatalities to the state's total, continuing the state's trend of reporting one of the nation's highest death rates. However, hospitalizations and ventilator use appear to be decreasing, a positive sign for the state.

Lafayette Parish was the only parish in Acadiana to report additional deaths Wednesday, adding three more for a total of 10 fatalities related to the virus since the parish’s first death was reported on March 27.

St. Landry Parish saw the largest increase in terms of the number of patients among Acadiana parishes Wednesday, with 26 more for a total of 86, followed by Lafayette Parish, which added 13 cases, climbing to 285 reported cases overall.

St. Landry Parish’s 26-case jump also was the largest increase in terms of percentage growth in cases Wednesday, up 43% from the parish’s 60 cases Tuesday.

St. Landry Parish extended its current curfew Wednesday to last through April 30. The curfew applies to adults and minors from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., except for those in Opelousas, where hours are 10 p.m. to 5 a.n.

Lafayette Consolidated Government is offering free lunches to workers who have lost their incomes due to coronavirus. The meals are served each day at 11 a.m. the Robicheaux Recreation Center on Eraste Landry Road thanks to the Brees Dream Foundation.

LCG spokesperson Jamie Angelle said lines form early each day and that meals are limited to two per car.

Richard Hessler, retired firefighter, balloon artist, musician and kickboxer, waves to passing motorist as he volunteers his free time to deliver prescription drugs to home bound residents in Opelousas. Freddie Herpin

Mario Gagot stays busy during the Coronavirus crises by working in his home garden. Thursday afternoon found him planting an assorted variety of peppers to go along with the tomatoes, lettuce and other vegetables already planted. The Opelousas resident is a Vietnam veteran and former helicopter pilot. F. Herpin

Makeshift drive thru open at Dons Seafood in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Smoothiie King lobby is temporarily closed, drive thru is still open. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

STM Principle Kelley Leger sits alone in the stands as fans were not permitted to attend the LHSAA State Championship game between STM and UHIGH . Friday, March 13, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Dr. Tina Stefanski, the regional medical director for the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, speaking with media to provide updates to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lafayette Parish. Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

SLEMCO Lineman Durk Baudoin making repairs to a power line on Hwy 167. Utility workers are regarded as essential and asked to report to work as residents are asked to stay home. Monday, March 23, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Like everywhere else Opelousas is feeling the effectds of the Corsonavirus but life goes on as evidenced from the photos taken Tuesday morning around Opelousas. Arthur Jones and Neil Chenier doing yard work near South City Park. F. Herpin

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Officer Derick Miles speaking with Mayor President Josh Guillory. Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Dr. Tina Stefanski, the regional medical director for the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, speaking with media to provide updates to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lafayette Parish. Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Red's Health Club is closed due to state wide mandate. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rocky and Debbie Carter enjoying lunch outsdide at Twins Burgers. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Smoothiie King lobby is temporarily closed, drive thru is still open. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Brandy Mitchell serving customer at makeshift drive thru at Dwights Restaurant in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru at Dwights Restaurant in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rocky and Debbie Carter enjoying lunch outsdide at Twins Burgers. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru at Dwights Restaurant in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru open at Dons Seafood in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru open at Dons Seafood in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Grand Theatre on Johnston St. is closed to the public. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Grand Theatre on Johnston St. is closed to the public. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Red's Health Club is closed due to state wide mandate. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Red's Health Club is closed due to a state wide mandate, one of many local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

A SLEMCO work crew is making repairs to a power line on Hwy 167. Utility workers are regarded as essential and asked to report to work as residents are asked to stay home. Monday, March 23, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

SLEMCO Lineman Durk Baudoin making repairs to a power line on Hwy 167. Utility workers are regarded as essential and asked to report to work as residents are asked to stay home. Monday, March 23, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network